Medication Disposal

Drop Box Location & Hours
About 10% of the pharmaceuticals dispensed in the U.S. are controlled substances. Controlled substances include anabolic steroids, narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens that have a potential for abuse and physical and psychological dependence.

The U.S. Controlled Substances Act established a closed system of distribution designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances. Although patients can possess controlled substances, they cannot lawfully transfer a controlled substance to another person or entity for any purpose. For example, patients cannot return controlled substances to pharmacies, even though pharmacies dispense them.

As an interim measure, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has allowed law enforcement agencies, such as the Nicollet County Sheriff's Office, to operate medication disposal programs. The law enforcement agency must retain custody of controlled substances at all times, up to and including destruction. After collecting the medication, sheriff's deputies will transport the medication to an incinerator, where they will be destroyed.

Most Abused Prescription Drugs
If unused or unwanted, these are important drugs to remove from your home.

Depressants

Nembutal

Valium

Xanax

Painkillers

OxyContin

Percocet

Tylenol with codeine

Vicodin

Stimulants

Adderall

Concerta

Ritalin

Nicollet County is now offering FREE sharps disposal.

It is important to manage and dispose of needles, lancets, and syringes (sharps) safely to prevent injury and disease transmission from needle-sticks. Never leave needles or syringes on streets, in parks, or anywhere else where someone could get injured.

Residents can bring in their home use needles/sharps in a hard sided container. Some examples of appropriate containers are : store bought BD sharps containers, coffee can with a lid, laundry detergent bottle with a screw on top, milk jug with a cap.

Drop off location:
Public Health Office located in the Health & Human Service Building,
622 S. Front St., St. Peter, MN 56082- during the hours of 8-4:30pm; Monday- Friday.
Cost: FREE

Any Questions? contact the Public Health office at 934-7220.
This program is made possible with the support from Nicollet County Environmental Services, Public Health, and Tri County Solid Waste.

Protect the Environment
Medication
flushed down the drain or disposed of in the trash can contaminate
bodies of water, harm wildlife, and end up in drinking water supplies.